A Norfolk town is set to be invaded by pirates as a host of summer events takeover.

Eastern Daily Press: The beach will be returning to the Thetford Riverside Complex. Picture: The Lively CrewThe beach will be returning to the Thetford Riverside Complex. Picture: The Lively Crew (Image: The Lively Crew)

From Monday, August 12, 35 businesses in Thetford will be flying the Jolly Roger by taking part in a treasure trail around the town as part of the Pirate Festival.

Maps can be picked-up from Grand Central restaurant, Riverside, kicking-off budding pirates' search for hidden coins in shop windows.

Completed maps can be handed into The Light Cinema, Riverside, to receive a prize. All entries will then be added to a draw for prizes donated by Thetford businesses.

Councillor Mark Robinson, executive member for community, leisure and culture at Breckland Council, said: "With the beautiful Little Ouse River flowing through Thetford, I am delighted to see a new family focused river festival being launched during the summer holidays, showcasing Thetford as a place to visit, relax and have fun by the river."

Eastern Daily Press: Roys toy shop has made its display pirate themed. Picture: The Lively CrewRoys toy shop has made its display pirate themed. Picture: The Lively Crew (Image: Archant)

The pirate theme continues with family orientated events across the Pirate Festival.

The Bank Holiday weekend kicks-off with a swashbuckling evening of family entertainment with Pirate Joe on Friday, 23 August on The Green, from 6pm onwards including prizes for the best-dressed pirates.

Across the weekend the beach returns to the Riverside Green. Open till Bank Holiday Monday afternoon, the giant sand pit brings the seaside into the heart of the town.

As well as the beach there will be river activities including raft time trials with groups of four to six able to enter.

Mr Robinson added: "The river plays a major part in the history and environment in Thetford, therefore I look forward to seeing residents and tourists out and about enjoying our man-made beach by the Thetford Riverside green, taking part in paddle boarding and the excitement of a boat race."

The Pirate Festival is supported by Breckland Council through the Market Town Initiative and is part of a calendar of events focused around the riverside area.

More information can be found on the Facebook page for On the Green Thetford.